The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-06
A "DRY" DAY IN WASHINGTON.
Delusive Cocktails and Insidious Brandy
Smashes Unobtainable at Any Price.

Delusive Cocktails and Insidious Brandy
smashes UnobtainabIe at Any Price.
Washington Special April 3.
1t has been a dry day in Washington. An at
tempt, only partially successful. was made last
Sunday to close the saloons and hotel bars, but
the various ingredients of the delusive cocktail
and the insidious brandy smash were but trans
ferred to an adjoining apartment, and the
thirsty judges. ma ors. and Congressman had
only to climb an extra pair of stairs or descend
into the basement to secure a plentiful supply of
liquid refreshment Three raps with the knuck-
panel. usually opened the improvised bar rooms,
and the devotees of John Barleycorn suffered
only the Inconvenience of the hunt for the new
places.
been strictly enforced, and, Notwithstanding the
eau ton conveyed in the advertisements of local
lQuor-dealers IN last evenings papers to LAY in
O stock in advance" many a statesman has gone
from door to door without finding the where
withal to moisten mis- parched throat. The
saloons adopted new policy this morning. 1t
has been one of the sights of the city on Sunday
nights to step into a wellknown saloon on Penn
sylvania avenue to note the enormous business,
which on this night almost equals that of the
entire week.
A lynX-eyed employe sits at a side door and
admits only well-known patrons of the house.
detective would be spotted at once and would
not gain an entrance. Within the white-coated
walters rush hither and thither, tumbling over
each other in their attempts to keep pace with
the demand for beer mixed drinks and cham
payne But this morning the front doors were
opened as week days. The thirsty wayfarer
however, who quickened his pace noting the
doors standing invitingly ajar and entered with
countenance wreathed in q smile of glad sur
prise, came out moment later looking decidedly
crestfallen. 1t is the resort of Senator'S men,
bers, Cabinet officials and public men generally,
with generous sprinkling of impecunious Of
fce-seekers waiting for some one to stand treat
A heavy baize curtain was hung over the win
dows and doors, and everything was served ex-
cepting drinks They could not be had for love
or money.
To add to the annoyance of the occasion this
has been the warmest day of the season. The sun
beat down on the scorching concrete with mid
summer intensity, and the demand for cooling
beverages has been unprecedented.
A Southern Congressman entered we'll known
restaurant this afternoon. and with knowing
air proceeded to order an elaborate repas:,
chuckling to himself as the waiter started for
the kitchen. The meal was served and, after
nearly finishing it, the guest called the serving
man to him and with mysterious gesture whis-
pered a few words. The waiter shook his head
The Congressman repeated the whisper and
added small tip The waiter was still obdu
rate.
DO you mean to say" shouted the member
that can't get anything to drink with this
dinner" The waiter nodded. why, con
found it. man." yelled the thoroughly aroused
guest. Il have eaten that whole meal to get one
drink"